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The Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon was originally used by the United States Air Force. This commendation was first created on February 21, 1968 by order of then-Secretary of the Air Force Harold Brown.[1][2][3] The first presentation of the award was in June 1970. This is the highest personal ribbon decoration of the United States Air Force.

In the UNSC, the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon is awarded to any member of the UNSC Defense Force who is nominated by their Major Command, Field Operating Agency, or Direct Reporting Unit for competition in the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Program.

Airmen selected as one of the numerous Outstanding Airmen of the Year are authorized to wear the bronze service star as well as the Outstanding Airman badge for one year. A bronze oak leaf cluster is worn on the ribbon to denote each past or subsequent award.